Nutrition5 min read
Spirulina Biotic Powder: Benefits, Nutrition Facts and Its Role in Cancer Nutrition
Dr. Vrundali Kannoth
Cancer care
Skin Cancer
Overview
What is Skin Cancer?
Skin Cancer is the abnormal growth of skin cells, most commonly due to excessive sun exposure. It usually develops on sun-exposed areas but can occur anywhere on the body. With early detection and proper treatment, most skin cancers are highly treatable
Skin Cancer Types
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC)
- The most frequent type, BCC increases slowly and won't spread often. It tends to look like a shiny bump or sore that doesn't heal, usually on sun-exposed skin such as the face or neck.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
- SCC will show itself as a red, scaly spot, open sore, or elevated growth. If untreated, it may spread and tends to occur on frequently exposed areas to UV radiation.
- The most lethal form, melanoma arises in cells that produce pigment. It may spread to other organs quickly. It usually resembles an evolving mole or pigmented spot with notched borders.
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
- A rare and vicious cancer that presents as a firm, painless nodule on sun-damaged skin. It tends to grow rapidly and may metastasize to lymph nodes or other places.
Cutaneous Lymphoma
- A very uncommon lymphocyte cancer of the skin that develops as red plaques or patches that might look like eczema or psoriasis.
Skin Cancer Symptoms
One half of a mole or spot doesn't match the other half in shape, size, or appearance
What’s Notable
- Most common cancer worldwide, especially among fair-skinned populations.
- Main types include basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
- Melanoma can be fatal, but early detection greatly improves survival.
When to Seek Help
Consult a dermatologist immediately if you notice any new, changing, or unusual spots on your skin, especially those showing asymmetry, irregular borders, color variations, or bleeding.
Skin Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
UV Radiation Exposure
Prolonged outdoor activities without adequate protection, especially during peak hours between 10 AM and 4 PM
Family History
Genetic predisposition through inherited mutations increases likelihood of developing skin cancer
Excessive Moles
Having more than 50 moles or atypical moles increases melanoma risk substantially
Weakened Immune System
Immunocompromised conditions or medications reduce the body's ability to fight cancerous cell changes
Age
Risk increases with age, particularly after 50, due to cumulative sun damage over time
Occupational Hazards
Work-related exposure to chemicals, radiation, or prolonged outdoor conditions increases vulnerability
Xeroderma Pigmentosum
Rare inherited condition preventing proper DNA repair from UV damage creates extremely high risk
Skin Cancer Diagnosis
Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Step 1: Initial Check-Up
(If you spot a suspicious skin change)
What happens: Your doctor will:
- Inspect any moles, spots, or sores for shape, color, and changes.
- Ask about when you first noticed the change and if it’s grown, itched, or bled.
- Review your personal and family skin cancer history.
Your role: Point out any new, changing, or unusual spots—even if they seem small or harmless.
Skin Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
- What it does
- Uses drugs to attack rapidly dividing cancer cells.
- Treated for
- Rarely for common skin cancers, reserved for advanced situations.
- Side effects
- Nausea, hair loss, infection risk.
- Recovery
- Related to course length and drugs used.
Targeted Therapy
- What it does
- Precisely blocks molecules/signals that cancer cells need to grow.
- Treated for
- Advanced melanoma with specific genetic changes.
- Side effects
- Skin rash, joint pain, fatigue.
- Recovery
- Oral or IV drugs, response checked with scans; side effects managed during long-term use.
Immunotherapy
- What it does
- Uses medications to boost the immune system to attack cancer cells throughout the body.
- Used for
- Advanced melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma that has spread.
- Side effects
- Fatigue, rash, rare immune complications.
- Recovery
- Ongoing treatment, regular monitoring.
Management & Prevention
Wound Care
- Follow doctor’s guidance to keep the surgical site clean, dry, and protected from sun exposure.
- Apply prescribed ointments and change dressings as needed for proper healing.
Activity Restrictions
- Limit strenuous movement and stretching near the wound for as long as advised, gradually resuming normal activities as allowed by your surgeon
Sun Protection
- Avoid direct sunlight on healing areas and use broad-spectrum sunscreen after recovery to protect new skin and lower recurrence risk.
Why Choose Everhope Skin Cancer?
At Everhope, our experts support your proactive care with advanced treatment — guiding you with knowledge, hope, and healing.
- ~100K
- new cases are diagnosed everyday in the US
- 17th
- most prevalent cancer in the world.
- 330K
- new skin cancers in 2022
Explore Our Latest Updates
Questions
FAQs on Pancreatic Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
What are early warning signs of Pancreatic Cancer?
Early signs of pancreatic cancer include persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), changes in stool color, new-onset diabetes or blood sugar changes, and ongoing nausea or loss of appetite. These symptoms often appear gradually and can be mistaken for other conditions
Can Pancreatic Cancer be cured completely?
Pancreatic cancer can potentially be cured if caught very early before it spreads, especially through surgical removal combined with chemotherapy. However, most cases are diagnosed at advanced stages when cure becomes unlikely. Early-stage pancreatic cancer has much better survival rates than advanced disease.
How long does Pancreatic Cancer treatment last?
Treatment duration varies by stage and approach—surgery and recovery may take weeks to months, while chemotherapy regimens typically last 3-6 months for optimal results. Some patients receive ongoing maintenance therapy, and treatment timing is crucial, with earlier initiation within 6 weeks of diagnosis showing better outcomes
What are the chances of Pancreatic Cancer Recurrence?
Pancreatic cancer has high recurrence rates—up to 80% of patients may experience recurrence even after surgery. Most recurrences happen within the first two years, with different patterns including liver, local, or lung recurrence each having different prognoses
How long do people live with pancreatic cancer?
Life expectancy depends heavily on stage at diagnosis. Overall five-year survival is about 13% for all stages combined, but localized cancer has 44% five-year survival while advanced cancer drops to 3%. Many factors influence individual outcomes including age, health status, and treatment response
Can pancreatic cancer run in families?
About 10% of pancreatic cancers are hereditary, meaning they run in families due to inherited gene changes. If you have multiple family members with pancreatic cancer, you may have higher risk and should discuss genetic counseling with your doctor.
Where can I book an Appointment for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment?
You can schedule pancreatic cancer consultations at Everhope Cancer Centre through our website, phone, or email for expert treatment including advanced therapies, nutritional support, and comprehensive care in Gurgaon
How will pancreatic cancer affect my appetite and eating?
Pancreatic cancer and its treatments often cause appetite changes, nausea, weight loss, and difficulty digesting food. A dietitian can help create meal plans and suggest enzyme supplements to improve nutrition
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